"This is the 14th year Canadian Pacific has brought the holiday train through Binghamton," said Kristan McMahon, Canadian Pacific. "It's a great way for Canadian Pacific to give back to the community and all the communities that we travel through by giving donations to CHOW to help our local food banks during the holiday season. "

Since 1999, the train has raised over $6 million and 2.6 million pounds of food for food banks.

Despite chilly temperatures, hundreds of people made it out with scarves, hats, gloves, and of course, smiles.

The musical perform by The Claytones along with a special appearance by Santa Claus had people singing and dancing in the crowd.

"This year is extra special because in addition to what we are raising here in Binghamton, we are also going to match the monetary donations to help Hurricane Sandy relief efforts," said Ed Greenberg, Canadian Pacific.

Helping people in need is exactly why Mike Henrich and his family drove all the way from Sayre to partake in the event.

"The most important thing is to remember the purpose of this event, and that is to collect as many canned goods as possible for the food banks," said Henrich. "I peeked in the truck over there and it looks like it's filling up pretty nice, so that's good."

As the music played on and the donations poured in, it was both a meaningful and magical start to the holiday season.